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The FYI Bulletin is a news service covering federal science policy developments.

The Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology have recently turned their attention to the long-term future of their research reactor user facilities. Meanwhile, unplanned shutdowns at both facilities have put a temporary strain on the U.S.’ already heavily subscribed capacity for neutron-beam research.

Research community leaders warned the House Science Committee last week that the U.S. could face an acute shortage or oversupply of STEM workers if it does not carefully manage investments in R&D, remain welcoming to international talent, and better develop its domestic workforce.

Energy R&D has emerged as a focal point for bipartisan collaboration in the new Congress. At recent hearings, lawmakers heard testimony in favor of large spending increases spread across a variety of technologies.

The U.S. Geological Survey budget is receiving a marginal increase in fiscal year 2019, remaining just under $1.2 billion. Congress rejected the administration’s deep proposed cuts across agency programs, while supporting its new critical minerals mapping initiative.

With the enactment of fiscal year 2019 appropriations, the budget for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate is rising 11 percent to $6.9 billion. Missions to Jupiter’s moon Europa and a new lunar research initiative are among the beneficiaries of the increase. The Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope is funded at a lower level than the mission’s plans anticipated.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s budget will decrease 8 percent to $5.4 billion in fiscal year 2019 due to planned ramp downs in satellite and aircraft acquisition programs, while research programs will receive steady or increased funding.

By the end of this week, the House will have held more than a dozen hearings focused on climate change. The House Science Committee’s first hearing on the subject under its new Democratic leadership showcased a different dynamic from ones in recent Congresses, with little dissension over climate science and both parties calling for investment in clean energy technology.

The budget for research programs at the National Institutes of Standards and Technology will remain flat in fiscal year 2019, while funding for research facility construction will drop sharply following last year’s one-time funding boost for building renovations.

In his first public speech as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Kelvin Droegemeier indicated his top priorities include improving coordination across the U.S. R&D enterprise, addressing harassment in science, relieving administrative burdens, and protecting research from misappropriation.

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